Among Thieves (2019) Board Game

Among Thieves is a board game released in 2019, designed by Jarek Nocoń and published by Indie Boards & Cards. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, and negotiation, and incorporates game mechanisms such as Prisoner’s Dilemma, Simultaneous Action Selection, and Take That. The game is designed for 3-8 players, with the best player count being 6-8, and has a runtime of 30-45 minutes. It is recommended for ages 14 and up.

Game Components of Among Thieves

Cards: Representing various corporate targets, loot, and blackmail opportunities.

Player boards: For tracking individual player progress and resources.

Tokens: Used for managing resources and tracking player scores.

Dice: For determining player actions and resolving conflicts.

How To Setup Among Thieves

To set up Among Thieves, players start by distributing the player boards and a set of starting resources. The corporate target cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. Each player selects a character with unique abilities and starting equipment. The game is ready to begin once all players have their resources and the target cards are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their dice to perform different actions such as stealing, blackmailing, or gathering resources.

Area Control: Players compete to control areas on the board to gain access to valuable targets.

Hand Management: Players manage their cards to optimize their actions and resources.

Objective: Accumulate the greatest fortune by stealing from mega-corporations and blackmailing other players.

Player Experience

In Among Thieves, players immerse themselves in a world of high-stakes thievery and blackmail. The game requires strategic planning, as players must balance their own goals with the need to disrupt their opponents. The dynamic use of dice and cards adds a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique and engaging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich strategic experience with multiple paths to victory.

Social Interaction: Encourages player interaction through blackmail and sabotage.

Replayability: High replay value due to the random setup and varied player abilities.

Thematic Immersion: The dystopian theme is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and strategies involved.

Playtime: Games can be lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.

Luck Factor: The use of dice introduces an element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Among Thieves

Among Thieves is ideal for fans of strategic games and those who enjoy a mix of social interaction and competitive gameplay. It is best suited for experienced board game enthusiasts who can appreciate the complexity and depth it offers. However, new players may find the learning curve steep but rewarding once they grasp the mechanics. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your strategic thinking and provides a unique thematic experience, Among Thieves is definitely worth considering.

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